Ready to lead the next chapter of energy, not chase it?

Avatar Ignite 2026 is a 14-week launchpad for mid-career energy professionals. You’ll use AI, data, and cross-functional teams to deliver real outcomes for your company.
No lecture marathons, you’ll build prototypes, validate them with data, and pressure-test them with senior executives

Apply Now!

Why now? What you’ll gain:

Why people join Ignite

  • You stop talking about innovation and actually build something real.

  • You learn faster here than you ever will in your day job.

  • You plug into a network of people who actually move the industry.

  • You get in front of leaders who notice and reward good work.

  • You leave with momentum, not just a certificate.

Outcomes

By the end of Ignite, you will have:

  • Operational wins: Faster cycle times, fewer errors, and clearer decisions using AI workflows.

  • A business case that holds up: A data-backed story leadership can say yes to.

  • A real portfolio: Prototypes, validation data, and a network of senior sponsors you can point to in reviews, promotions, or your next move

Curriculum

What you learn (selected outcomes)

  • Apply AI for analysis, drafting, and decision support in real projects.

  • Use energy economics & geopolitics to ground your business case in reality.

  • Translate ideas into fit-for-industry pilots in Avatar Studio.

  • Program Dates: View the 2026 Program Dates Here.

How Ignite works for you

  • Hands-on AI & teamwork: Day-to-day playbooks for analysis, drafting, decision support, and working with vendors — the stuff you use Monday morning.

  • Leadership in today’s electrosphere: Energy economics, geopolitics, finance, and how to use AI as an enabler, not a buzzword.

  • Executive-grade outcomes: You’ll present to a Shark Tank–style panel of senior leaders who can fund, deploy, or sponsor what you build.

For Employers

  • Measurable performance lift: Team KPIs tied to speed, cost, quality, and safety—not AI vanity metrics.

  • De-risked tech adoption: A governed path from Ignite to Studio → Ventures for pilots with clear success criteria.

  • Fit-for-facility: Tailored solutions via university/test partners; artifacts your org can actually operate.

Existing Entrepreneurs

New for 2026 we are introducing an entrepreneurial track for individuals & small teams with a bold idea to solve a real energy problem. Click Here to Learn More. (CLOSED)

  • Solo or small teams welcome to apply.

  • Not yet incorporated and free of third-party IP conflicts.

  • Based in Calgary, AB or Houston, TX

Start Your Application Here

Eligibility Requirements & Application Process

Ignite 2026 is built for mid-career professionals who want to accelerate their skills, expand their network, and work on real energy challenges — without stepping out of their current role.

Format:

Part-time over 14 weeks with live sessions, team sprints, and executive reviews.

(Full virtual participation is supported globally.)

Tuition:

$5,000 CAD for independent applicants not covered by a partner organization or scholarship.

We can invoice employers directly so participants can use professional-development budgets.

Who Should Apply

  • - You work in, or are committed to, the energy sector — operations, engineering, technology, finance, policy, or adjacent fields.

    - You’ve shown strong performance and the ability to take on stretch assignments.

    - You want to build real solutions, not sit through more training.

  • - Comfortable collaborating across disciplines.

    - Open to feedback and fast iteration.

    - You want to use AI as a practical performance tool inside your day-to-day work.

  • If your employer is an Avatar partner, there is no direct cost to you — tuition is typically covered.

    Participation is still competitive, and final approval comes from your organization.

    If your company is not a partner, we can invoice them directly so you can use professional-development funds.

  • Ignite is designed to fit alongside a full-time job.

    Plan for 2–4 hours per week, including:

    - Bi-weekly live sessions (generally Friday afternoons)

    - Team collaboration

    - Prep for Avatar Shark Tank

    Recordings are provided if you have travel or work conflicts.

  • Ignite runs in a hybrid format:

    - Calgary and Houston hubs for in-person sessions

    - Full virtual access for participants anywhere in the world

    If you can join workshops live (online or in person) and collaborate with your team, you can participate.

  • You don’t need to bring an idea or problem from your company.

    You’ll join a cross-functional team and choose from curated technology streams aligned with real industry challenges.

  • A limited number of scholarships are available for:

    - Master’s, PhD, and Post-Doc students

    - High-performing professionals not employed by corporate partners, where cost would be a barrier

    Current scholarship partners include Young Women in Energy, YPP USA, and Tex-E.

    If you’d like to be considered, indicate this in your application.

Applications Close: January 20, 2026.

If you want Ignite to be part of your 2026 career story — not something you wish you’d done — start your application before these dates.

For any questions, reach out at .ignite@avatarinnovations.energy.

Download the Line Manager Overview PDF (coming soon)